There’s nothing quite like the moment when your garage door suddenly veers off track. It will probably look crooked, and make a terrible sound when opening or closing, which can be intimidating! But don’t worry. With a little guidance and care, you can take some basic steps to handle the situation. Here’s what to do if your garage door decides to take a detour.
1. Stay calm and don’t force it
First things first, resist the urge to force the door back into position. Trying to move or operate a misaligned garage door can make things worse, potentially damaging the door itself, the tracks, or even the opener. A garage door off its tracks is a safety hazard, so it’s best to proceed with caution and keep everyone – including kids and pets – a safe distance away.
2. Inspect the rollers and tracks
Next, take a closer look to understand how far the door has gone off track. Are the rollers just slightly misaligned, or is the door completely off its rails? Sometimes the issue is as simple as a small misalignment, while other times, you may notice bent tracks, broken rollers, or other signs of wear and tear that require professional help.
Things to look out for:
- Any visible dents or bends in the tracks
- Broken or damaged rollers
- Tension cables may be crooked or completely loose
4. Know when it’s time to call a professional
We get it – as East Tennesseans, we’re often up for tackling household projects ourselves. But garage doors are heavy, complex systems that involve springs, cables, and high-tension parts. Even if it seems like a minor issue, it’s best to call a professional to ensure the job is done safely and correctly.
At American Pro Garage Doors, we’ve seen every kind of garage door issue out there, and we know exactly how to get your door back on track quickly and safely. If you need help, don’t hesitate to give us a call.
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5. Prevent future problems
Once your garage door is back in action, consider taking a few preventive measures to keep it running smoothly. Regular maintenance can help avoid future off-track issues, saving you time, money, and headaches.
Here’s what we recommend:
- Clean the tracks: Every few months, clear out dirt and debris from the tracks with a damp cloth to keep them running smoothly.
- Check the rollers: Rollers can wear out over time, especially if they’re plastic. Lubricate them regularly with a garage door-specific lubricant or replace them if they’re showing signs of wear.
- Inspect the bearings, cables and springs: These parts bear a lot of weight and tension. If they look worn or damaged, it’s time to have a professional check them out.
While it may be tempting to DIY your garage door repair, getting a door back on its tracks is a job best left to the pros. If your garage door ever gives you trouble, American Pro Garage Doors is just a call away. We’re here to help East Tennessee homeowners like you keep their garage doors safe, functional, and ready to roll.
Contact us today to schedule a service repair.